Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of lottery or gambling contest: A sweepstakes is a competition where participants enter for a chance to win a prize, typically a large sum of money. The prize fund is often formed from the entry fees paid by all the participants, meaning the winner "sweeps" the pool of money.
   • A horse race in which the entire prize money is awarded to the winner: In historical and specific contexts, it refers to a type of horse race where the winner takes all the stakes.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • She entered an online sweepstakes to win a new car.
  • The charity organized a sweepstakes to raise funds, with the prize being a luxury vacation.
  • The Kentucky Derby originated as a sweepstakes.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• Legal and Promotional Context: In modern usage, especially in marketing, "sweepstakes" often refers to promotional contests where entry is free (no purchase necessary) to comply with laws, distinguishing it from a traditional lottery which requires payment. The prize is provided by the sponsor.
  • The company ran a promotional sweepstakes where you could enter by mailing in a postcard.
• "Sweepstakes" as Plural: The word is often used with a plural verb form, even when referring to a single contest (e.g., "The sweepstakes are open now"), though singular usage is also accepted.

Variants and Related Words

• Sweepstake (noun): A less common singular form of "sweepstakes," often used interchangeably but sometimes referring to a single instance of such a contest.
• Lottery (noun): A general term for a game of chance where winners are selected by a random drawing. A sweepstakes is a specific type of lottery.
• Raffle (noun): A lottery in which people buy tickets for a chance to win specific prizes. Unlike some sweepstakes, a raffle always involves purchasing a ticket.

Synonyms

• Lottery
• Draw
• Contest (in the promotional sense)

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• To win the sweepstakes: To win a large, often unexpected, prize or sum of money. Used figuratively to describe any great, lucky success.
  • Getting that job straight out of college was like winning the sweepstakes.

Noun

1. a lottery in which the prize consists of the money paid by the participants